Data Centers, Flock Cameras and AI: Big Tech Is on Your Midterm Election Ballot
The article examines how data center development has become a major issue in US midterm elections, driven by concerns over electricity use, water consumption, rising utility costs and limited long-term employment. New York has enacted a temporary pause on hyperscale data center construction, while Maine, Virginia and Texas are also seeing political battles over data center expansion and regulation.
Data center opposition is emerging as a bipartisan issue in US elections, with a Gallup poll finding that 70% of adults oppose local data center construction. Critics cite the facilities’ heavy electricity and water demands, potential effects on utility bills and environmental risks, while supporters emphasize construction jobs and long-term investment. New York enacted a temporary pause on hyperscale data center construction, and similar proposals have been considered in Maine and other states.
The issue is especially prominent in Virginia and Texas. Virginia Senate candidates Mark Warner and Bert Mizusawa have called for limits on data center impacts or greater local control, while Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced a construction pause that has not significantly slowed development. Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa has called for a more complete freeze. The article frames these debates, along with broader AI and surveillance controversies, as issues that could influence midterm voters.